"Oh Carol, don't let him steal your heart away I'm gonna…read morelearn to dance If it takes me all night and day" (Chuck Berry) The various "best" in Connecticut lists of this and that are about as common as the weeds on my lawn. I mean, every website every other week seems to post one. Anyway, in a 2024 Taste of Home feature titled "The Best Hot Dogs in Every State", guess who was rated as having the best hot dogs in all of Connecticut? Yup, it was Carol's Lunchbox. And when I checked out their Yelp page, I saw their high 4.5 rating, read the rave reviews, and when combined with their 2024 "Best in the State", I knew I'd make it over to Carol's one of these days. Well today was the day. We found it on the Westwoods Golf Course in Farmington. Just follow the main road in and you'll see it on the left in a long tannish stand-alone building. There's an ordering counter inside, a dining room with plenty of seating, and a lovely outdoor patio with more tables and chairs for nice weather. Their menu is a lot more than those famous hot dogs. It's really comfort food heaven with quesadillas, fries, tenders, burgers, grilled cheese, burgers, wraps, salads, and more. But let's be real.......we were there for the dogs! They offer a Traditional Dog, a Polish Dog, a Hot Diggity Dog, a Chili Dog, a Southern Dog (with Pulled Pork), a Reuben Dog, and the adorably named Beanie Weenie Dog with Baked Beans. None of those dogs will cost you more than $6. You can also go with a two-dog special with chips and a drink for $12-$15. What's that? You were wondering about toppings? No worries, friend, because Carol offers up free ketchup, two mustards, sauerkraut, onions, mayo, green pickle relish, and Carol's homemade hot pepper relish. If you're a big spender, you can add between fifty cents and a buck to your order for chili meat sauce, two types of melted cheese, caramelized onions, or sauteed onions and peppers. They also have side orders (potato salad, fries, rings, and daily specials. Today's specials were chicken wings, a lobster roll, and a tempting short rib grilled cheese. We ordered a two-dog special with yellow mustard, sauerkraut, a soda and chips for the rock-bottom price of $12, and a Hot Diggity Dog (spicy) with chopped onions and some of Carol's homemade hot pepper relish ($6). How wonderful was it to sit outside overlooking the golf course to enjoy such a simple, fun, and totally delicious lunch. My spicy dog was definitely spicy, and Carol's famous hot pepper relish was a great addition to my lunch. I have to say a word about Carol herself. We had the pleasure of chit-chatting with her after lunch, and she puts out such friendly, welcoming customer service vibes, its hard not to become an instant fan of hers. When you visit, I hope you have the pleasure of seeing her smiling face. I promise you, it will be the perfect complement to your terrific lunch.

Good basic bites on the range…read more Came here looking for some summertime burgers and dogs. Inside is sparse, but plenty of seating. Outside was slightly dirty, but the view of the course was pretty. Opted for a smattering of dogs (kielbasa, spicy dog, and plain dog), a bacon jam blue cheese burger, and a brownie for dessert. Food came out after a wait, but we got ketchup and took turns taking bites. The burger was the best bite. good quality beef, strong blue cheese and sweet n salty bacon jam was quite nice. The blue cheese was a bit strong, but I like punchy flavors. The fries were not bad, pretty good bagged fries. The dogs, well they were alright. Not great buns, dogs were of a decent quality, but the kielbasa was too sweet and the spicy dog was only lightly hot. As a lunch place, it does well enough. The burger and fries were worth the price of admission. The dogs were kind of weak, and there dogs need to be of a better quality. But they are still not bad, just not great.

What a terrific spot! Stopped in on a rainy day. There were quite a few tables inside with…read morepatrons and a few people coming in for take out. Not too busy. Menu has plenty to choose from and is simple. A friend had stopped here once and got a cheeseburger and shared it with me and it was delicious so I figured it's time to stop in myself in order. Let me just say. The place is nice and open and clean. It's not too big inside so it's nice if you just wanna sit down on a lazy afternoon. If it's nice outside, they have plenty of tables to sit out and the scenery is very nice. I ordered the turkey and bacon wrap with fries and then I ordered a children's chicken strips it didn't take long to make, and I felt like I didn't wait long at all The presentation was very nice and let me just say it was delicious! I ordered two turkey wraps and to be honest I could have just split it with my daughter. But no argument here,,, i will dive into the other half later. Fries were mildly flavored (not spicy) and nice and crispy. It also came with pickles. The children's chicken strips came with three nice pieces of chicken and a bunch of fries and they added barbecue sauce on the side for a nice touch. Everything was hot and perfect when I brought it home, it was still nice and warm and the french fries were not soggy. They were still nice and crispy. The girl that helped me was very sweet and patient as i was choosing off the menu. And the owner chatted with me before I left. What a great place, dont drive by! Stop in for even a shake or ice-cream. I will be back to try a burger or steak and cheese grinder. Prices are very reasonable as well.

We stopped in here Sunday night for a quick snack. We were not disappointed. My husband ordered a…read moreturkey sandwich, and it was huge. The staff was very efficient. There was a long line, but it moved quickly. They offer many options, from full dinners, sandwiches, and appetizers to just ice cream for dinner. Prices were very reasonable. The inside is very clean, and there is tons of outdoor seating. Also centrally located between Bristol and Waterbury.

Clam chowder and lobster roll were delicious! Attractive outdoor patio with beautiful flower pots!read more

Stopped in had the outlaw burger French fries husband had cheese steak all very good small place…read morebut you can eat in take out or eat outside food was great so try it

Cash only, cash only, cash only!…read more But there is an ATM on site Stopped in for lunch with a friend of mine on this Friday afternoon, the place was definitely steady with people dining in, takeout, and the at picnic tables outside This was a beautiful day and we decided we would be sitting at the picnic tables outside The order was placed for two hotdog one with mustard, onion, and sauce, and the other hotdog with mustard and relish. I ordered a Pepsi soft drink, and my friend ordered the lemonade iced tea. About 10 minutes later, our order arrived, and we took the hotdog and drinks outside to the picnic tables The picnic tables could've been a little bit cleaner, but they were passable. After all, this is a lunch stop, and a hotdog joint, and a dive. One bite into that foot-long hotdog, and it was hot dog heaven. The toasted buttered England style hotdog roll, just was grilled to perfection. The hotdog had a nice SNAP to it with just nice a little bit spicy kick to the dog, I loved the mustard and the minced onions. But let's talk about that sauce. I could taste some cinnamon in it, there probably was chocolate in it also, but this was, in my opinion, the best meat sauce in Connecticut. My friend concurred that his hot dog was delicious. However, he wished he ordered the minced onions to go with it after seeing the onions on my hotdog. So... Let's go for round two! We had another foot-long hotdog I had one with mustard, onion, and sauce. My friend had one with mustard relish, and onion on it and we demolished them. I had a Pepsi drink and it was nice and cold and fresh. It was a bottle of lemonade iced tea, and it was consistent with what's usually in a bottle drink This is a great stop on the way to or from the beach, and Lake Beseck Conveniently located, and parking is a breeze outback around the side. There is an outside ice cream window along with an ice cream counter inside to the right of the entrance. The ice cream and milkshakes looked delicious. I wish I had stopped and took the time to order one. Definitely next time. To say these are the best hotdog in Connecticut would be a pretty fair statement. If not, these are a top five stop for hotdog.

Ever since I passed Guida's on my way to somewhere else a couple of years ago, I have had it in the…read moreback of my mind to give it a try. Today, a sunny early Spring morning, I decided to escape the dark recesses of my humble abode and finally make the trip to Middlefield. I am glad I did. Guida's has a definite 50s diner vibe. Everything looked clean, fresh, and appealing. The server was very friendly and helpful and the food was brought quickly. The fries were hot right from the oil and the 1/4 lb burger was cooked perfectly. Today, I opted for a strawberry shake and was pleased to find it not cloyingly sweet from too much syrup. Delish! The prices were comparable for other like establishments. Note: They only accept cash, but have an ATM for customer convenience. This is definitely a restaurant I would visit again when I am in the area!

I've wanted to visit Top Dog's roadside trailer in Portland for years, but they were never open…read morewhen I drove by. I understand that the trailer is presently known as Missy's Top Dog at least in some circles. I'm not sure if that's a change. When the Channel 3 Best Hot Dog in CT bracket was released, I noticed Missy's Top Dog was on it. I was able to get there shortly before their 3 pm closing recently. I'm a fan. First of all, although they were closing soon, there was a steady stream of people while I was in the area. There was never a long line, but I was not able to take a pic of the hot dog shaped trailer without a person blocking the sign. MTD is the only place I know of using Thumann's Hit Dogs from New Jersey. MTD steams the dogs and it looked like they had a bit of a dirty water thing maybe going on. MTD has several specialty dogs, but nothing too far out of the ordinary. I ordered a Cajun with "Orleans Relish", chili and pepper jack. I really liked the dog, especially for a steamed dog. Nice flavor. Nice snap. The toppings worked really well together. The chili sauce was meaty and not heavily seasoned. The relish provided a nice jolt of sweet acidity. I also ordered the MTD clasic dog, which had artfully layered catsup, mustard, relish and onions. Same tasty, snappy dog. Nice ratio of toppings. I'm assuming Missy was the person helping me because she seemed to have the confidence and pride of an owner. She was very friendly and engaging in my brief time speaking with her. Since the dogs were steamed, they came out right away. I can't say Missy's Top Dog's cracks my Top Tier of CT Dogs, but it's just a tier down and I enthusiastically recommend MTD, even if you have to drive a bit out of your way. 4.25 Stars

Went their in the fall. I don't know where they get their hot dogs from but they have a great snap…read moreand I found it quite tasty. I like a good hot dog and Connecticut has some great places to get them. I would put this little place on that list.

All I can say is; meatballs are avg tasty but have that reminiscent rubbery-bite-back of frozen…read moreones. Price is right. Just disappointed. If Im wrong chef, please advise. Seems like City Line brand. Fried dough was done in under temp oil making it more light fried pizza crust than a traditional crispy bubbly browned fried-dough. Gourmet touch was the fresh shaved mozz w fresh basil sprinkles atop. Looks were 5-star. Taste on all this, 3 stars. Lemon aid bucket was good but not fresh squeezed. It was a sugary highlighter shade of yellow mix with a cube of fresh lemon. Good. But the pattern is 'cutting corners' Overall, if I go back, Ill try the pork and skip the meatballs n misc aps.

The food and owners are absolutely outstanding. You will always find a mouth watering meal here…read more The portions are huge and delicious. When you meet the owners you will love them too. They also make family style meals to take home. And list of super savory sandwiches accompanied by an amazing bag of fries. You can stock up and freeze the family size meals to make future meal prep fast,simple and convenient. Definitely stop in often and try something new and exciting. Always ask about the specials.

Dog with the works is solid. Could be a little faster but it's just Ken in the truck so I…read moreunderstand.

Excellent food. Excellent service too give it a try. Support local. Kenis such a nice guy.read more

So many fresh options to choose from! I love their breakfast bowls with Mango Tango & Sweet Love…read morebeing my favorite options! Their fresh granola is the best part! I've also tried their Colombian coffee smoothie which is yummy & their fresh juices are a must try as well! This is such a great addition to our downtown Meriden community!!

My husband went to the green, deli and juice bar to get food to take home. We both ordered the…read morevegan chicken sandwich, shared a side of fries, and he also had the banana peanut butter smoothie. Most of the smoothie was gone before he got home. He said it was delicious. We both ate our sandwiches super fast. It was very good, We were so happy that we tried them out. We're looking forward to going there again. They are right next-door to the Meriden green. We plan to get food again and have a picnic there and go for a walk in the near future. Update : ok I ordered on DoorDash another time unfortunately, I receive the classic vegan chicken sandwich instead of the buffalo vegan chicken sandwich that I ordered. When I called, they were going to refund me for the sandwich or give credit. I took the credit and today I got the vegan buffalo chicken sandwich. It was delicious. I was actually nervous about the bacon and called them to confirm it actually was vegan as well as the cheese. It was very good so glad they are here in Meriden. We